Grundy Called Up As Colvin Takes A Break

Rebecca Grundy has been added to the England Women's Performance squad to replace Holly Colvin, who has decided to take a break from cricket.

Left-arm spinner Colvin has been an England international since making her debut as a 15-year old in 2005, playing five Tests, 72 One-Day Internationals and 50 Twenty20 Internationals.

However, now at the age of 24, she has decided it is time to pursue a career away from cricket and will be unavailable for this winter's touring programme, which sees England head to Australia to defend the Women's Ashes.

"This is not a decision I have taken lightly as playing for England means so much to me and has been an integral part of my life since I was 15 years old," Colvin said.

"But after eight years in the sport I feel now is the right moment to take a break and seek to establish myself in a career outside cricket.

"The England team management fully understand my thinking and I have reassured them that I have no intention of retiring from the sport. There is still much that I want to achieve in international cricket and I very much hope that I can be part of a successful England team again in the future."

Colvin's achievements in the game include being part of the squad that won the ICC Women's World Cup, the ICC Women's World Twenty20 and The Women's Ashes in 2009 and she also helped England regain the Women's Ashes earlier this year.

Like Colvin, Warwickshire's Grundy is a left-arm spinner although she is yet to make her international debut.

"This has not been an easy decision for Holly as she has played for England for all of her young adult life," added England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Head of Women's Cricket Clare Connor.

"She has been a key member of the team, playing her part in our World Cup and World T20 wins in 2009 as well as successful Ashes campaigns in 2009 and 2013.

"I am sure that many exciting opportunities will open up for Holly and we wish her every success as she takes some time away from the game to explore new avenues.

Connor, who played alongside Colvin when the latter made her international debut in 2005, added: